Soulless

Title: Soulless
Author: Gail Carriger
Series: Alexia Tarabotti, book 1
Genre: Steampunk
Published: 2009

Recommendation: As a combination of Victorian era, urban fantasy and humour this book is very good.
Rating: 7/10

Summary: Alexia Tarabotti is a spinster of 26 years who doesn't have a soul in a society where vampires, werewolves, and humans all live together under Queen Victora's rule. Her only wish is to enjoy a cup of tea when she is attacked by a rogue vampire and becomes a part of Lord Maccon's investigation.

Reactions: Having seen positive Soulless reviews all over blogosphere, I was looking forward to seeing what the fuss is all about. I kept my expectations pretty low and ended up enjoying the book more than expected.

I enjoyed the tongue-in-cheek humour throughout the book, e.g.

Ivy Hisselpenny was the unfortunate victim of circumstances that dictated she be only-just-pretty, only-just-wealthy, and possessed of a terrible propensity for wearing extremely silly hats. This last being the facet of Ivy's character that Alexia found most difficult to bear.

The humour extends to the characters, whereby Alexia's family is portrayed as rather stupid and much laughing is done on their expense. Alexia is also friends with a gay vampire. And of course, to fill the cast there's a werewolf Alpha and crazy scientist types.

The overall plot of the story is not particularly new or unpredictable. The love story is completely transparent as for the rest, the heroine gets into trouble, solves the mystery, and gets out of trouble in the nick of time.

Still, the overall reading experience is pretty good and the humour makes up for somewhat cliched characters and a fairly straightforward mystery plot. I might even pick up the next book in the series.